China must stand on the frontline of climate battlefield

• Source: Global Times
• [23:26 December 16 2009]
• Comments

Most Chinese know that the Himalayas and the Qinghai- Tibet Plateau are the origins of the most important rivers in China, including the Yangtse River and the Yellow River.

But few people know that the melting of the glaciers may result in fundamental changes to the water system, river system, ecological system, environmental system and climate system in China. This will dramatically impair the livelihood and wellbeing of future generations.

The international climate change conference in Copenhagen is thus very important to China and to the rest of the world.

In recent years, China has made tremendous efforts in this regard and launched important campaigns at home in reducing emissions, increasing fuel efficiency and promoting low-carbon economy.

However, in facing global climate change, in addition to whatever the governments need to do, what should each of us do and do better? What should be the new paradigm governing our development going forward?

Why is green development necessary? Because without it, our old growth model may simply not be sustainable, and the more we produce, the more emissions we may create and the greater damage we may do to the climate.

Therefore, green development is a hard imperative. It can be pprofi table and can create jobs.

China is fast becoming a leading manufacturer in wind power, solar power, hydro power, nuclear power, electric cars, hybrid cars and other green products.